Pakistan to expand Gwadar Port with new shipping lines, ferry service to Gulf countries

The federal government of Pakistan has announced an ambitious project to expand Gwadar Port’s operational capacity by introducing new shipping lines and launching a ferry service connecting Balochistan with Gulf countries.

This announcement was made during a high-level meeting held in Islamabad, chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.

He said that the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity, promote maritime trade, and position Gwadar as a key hub in the Arabian Sea.

He further said the government aims to transform Gwadar into a strategic transshipment and logistics center, benefiting both Pakistan and the broader region.

Located in Balochistan, Gwadar Port is a strategically significant deep-sea port and a central component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing regional trade and connectivity.

During the meeting, the Minister underscored that, with Gwadar Port now fully operational, the time has come to accelerate its integration into international maritime networks. He directed the relevant departments to take necessary steps to enhance commercial activity at the port and fully utilize its capacity.

Chaudhry noted that additional shipping lines will be linked to Gwadar to improve cargo movement, boost transit trade with Central Asia and the Middle East, and strengthen Pakistan’s growing role in regional logistics.

The minister argued that new shipping lines would smooth the port’s operation by easing pressure on existing ports and improve the speed and efficiency of cargo handling.

Meanwhile, the government is also planning to launch a ferry service from Gwadar to GCC countries which will provide an affordable and direct maritime link for passengers and cargo, particularly benefiting overseas communities and cross-border traders.

The minister said that the ferry service will strengthen people-to-people connections, promote tourism, and bring new economic opportunities to Balochistan.